The Just War Theory Starts in Torah
Deut 20:1-9 - preparing the Israelites for the battle they are about to face when entering the land.
In this portion reasons for this war include:
Taking back the land that was theirs.
People who were living in the land were committing abominations with things such as idol worship and sacrifice of children.
They were appointed the task to build a just and holy community.
There is a lot of material on what is a "Just War" from religious and political point of view. One article found from the Jewish perspective:UAHC Leaders on War
R. David Saperstein comments: "In Jewish just-war theory, according to Saperstein, sources say there are two kinds of obligatory war. One is in cases where enemies are out to destroy the Jewish people such as the Amalekites, and the second is known as a war of permission, used to expand Israel's borders when there is a long-term threat.
Additionally, Jews are commanded to pursue peace at all costs for three days before attacking, and if their opponent doesn't respond, they have justification.
In contrast with other faiths, Saperstein said, "Judaism has a unique concern for non-human targets." Citing that a Jewish army should not attack the enemy's fruit-bearing trees, he added, "The theory behind it is that you can use force, but it must be restricted in such a way that human life can resume afterwards." "
Another interesting article on "just war"
I attended a lecture on this subject at Brandeis last year...“The Ethics of War and Weapons of Mass Destruction in Judaism” by Professor Reuven Kimelman, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies - I recall that one of the big points making a "just" war had to do with the agreement by those who went into the war agreed that the purpose was valid... there is more on this in the next Torah Study for sure!
In this Torah portion the details of who was not to go into battle are detailed some. Even then there were reasons for deferment: anyone who built a home but not dedicated it yet, anyone who planted a vineyard and not harvested it, anyone who was betrothed but not yet married. - This implies that things must be taken care of at home prior to going into battle.
These same principles of establishing community are noted in Jeremiah 29 referring to the diaspora into Babylon. The essentials of a worthwhile life: family, home and planting.
more next week...
In this portion reasons for this war include:
Taking back the land that was theirs.
People who were living in the land were committing abominations with things such as idol worship and sacrifice of children.
They were appointed the task to build a just and holy community.
There is a lot of material on what is a "Just War" from religious and political point of view. One article found from the Jewish perspective:UAHC Leaders on War
R. David Saperstein comments: "In Jewish just-war theory, according to Saperstein, sources say there are two kinds of obligatory war. One is in cases where enemies are out to destroy the Jewish people such as the Amalekites, and the second is known as a war of permission, used to expand Israel's borders when there is a long-term threat.
Additionally, Jews are commanded to pursue peace at all costs for three days before attacking, and if their opponent doesn't respond, they have justification.
In contrast with other faiths, Saperstein said, "Judaism has a unique concern for non-human targets." Citing that a Jewish army should not attack the enemy's fruit-bearing trees, he added, "The theory behind it is that you can use force, but it must be restricted in such a way that human life can resume afterwards." "
Another interesting article on "just war"
I attended a lecture on this subject at Brandeis last year...“The Ethics of War and Weapons of Mass Destruction in Judaism” by Professor Reuven Kimelman, Near Eastern and Judaic Studies - I recall that one of the big points making a "just" war had to do with the agreement by those who went into the war agreed that the purpose was valid... there is more on this in the next Torah Study for sure!
In this Torah portion the details of who was not to go into battle are detailed some. Even then there were reasons for deferment: anyone who built a home but not dedicated it yet, anyone who planted a vineyard and not harvested it, anyone who was betrothed but not yet married. - This implies that things must be taken care of at home prior to going into battle.
These same principles of establishing community are noted in Jeremiah 29 referring to the diaspora into Babylon. The essentials of a worthwhile life: family, home and planting.
more next week...
posted by Chavarah @ 6:22 AM
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